MVPD cop is area's first female Drug Recognition Expert

Mountain View can proudly say that it has the area's first female DRE. What is a DRE? A DRE is a Drug Recognition Expert-- a police officer who is trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence. According to Mountain View Chief of Police James Perkins, there are roughly 14,000 law enforcement officers in the State of Missouri, and only 130 of those are DREs.

 

Corporal Alexis Johnson of the Mountain View Police Department recently graduated from the DRE program. She spent two weeks at the Highway Patrol Academy in Jefferson City and then a week in Philadelphia, Pa., where she gained first-hand experience with the effects of various drug categories on individuals. She completed the vigorous three-phase evaluation less than two years after becoming a cop.

Cpl. Johnson, who has been with the MVPD for just under two and a half years, earned her POST license upon graduating from the academy in September of 2023. She completed the DRE program in April of 2025.

 

"I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of remarkable women in law enforcement who have undergone this rigorous training before me," said Cpl. Johnson. "I have been told that I am the first female DRE in our surrounding area. I am excited to contribute to the growing presence of women in law enforcement and to inspire the younger generation to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges."

 

Chief Perkins commended Cpl. Johnson on the completion of the DRE program, commenting, "The DRE course is one of the toughest courses a law enforcement officer can take. To even be considered, you have to show knowledge, discipline, and a proven ability to recognize and articulate impairment beyond just alcohol. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional observational skills, a commitment to traffic safety, and the determination to go above and beyond standard enforcement."

 

Perkins explained that during this training/certification, there are tests almost daily. A failure of a test is immediate elimination. The final test is a live evaluation in Pennsylvania followed by a four-hour long test. The tests focuses on memorization of everything that was learned throughout the course of the DRE program.

 

Cpl. Johnson said it was difficult to leave her family for three weeks for the training/certification, but, "Law enforcement has become a significant part of my life, both professionally and personally." Cpl. Johnson began her law enforcement carrier in college while she was pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. "Initially, I thought I wanted to work in the court system, but as I learned more about law enforcement, I realized my passion was in keeping our communities safe."

 

She said that the best part of her job is the people. "I have the privilege of meeting individuals from all walks of life and appreciate the opportunity to listen to those with a lifetime of experience, as well as those still navigating this complex world."

 

Even during the difficult days, Cpl. Johnson holds tight to her love of helping people. "This profession can be challenging, filled with heartbreak and tragedy. It’s hard to pinpoint a single event, but the interactions I’ve had with innocent children who have experienced traumatic events deeply resonate with me. I can recall the name of every child I’ve had the honor to support on their worst day."

 

The flip side of that coin is when she not only makes a difference in someone's life, but in the lives of the community members. "One of my best days on the job was when a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of an impaired driver and the seizure of four ounces of methamphetamine from our streets," she said.

 

MVPD Chief Perkins exuded pride as he said, "It is an honor to recognize Corporal Alexis Johnson as our department’s first female Drug Recognition Expert. This achievement represents far more than the completion of a professional goal, it reflects the growth and success of an officer I have believed in since her first day in uniform. Corporal Johnson has not only risen to meet the demands of one of the most challenging certifications in law enforcement, but she has also emerged as a respected leader within our agency. Her example inspires not only the women on our force, but every officer who serves beside her. I am incredibly proud of her accomplishment and the dedication she continues to bring to our department and community."